Youuber Oliver Ssaem, known for running a channel with approximately 2,25 million subscribers, revealed in a YouTube video that financial pressures and high housing costs in Seoul drove his family’s relocation to Texas. According to the video published on the channel “Mipjian An-eun Gwanjong Unni” on October 10, the creator and his spouse left South Korea alongside their two daughters after facing steep property prices and a desire for a greener environment.
Housing Pressures in Seoul and the Move to Texas
Oliver Ssaem explained that growing up in a rural home fostered a strong preference for abundant trees and open vegetation, making life in densely populated Seoul increasingly challenging. According to statements made by his wife in the video, family members suggested moving to Texas and proposed building a home on land priced at 500 wones per pyeong at the time.
Private Borrowing Constraints and Construction Delays
According to the broadcast, he secured a private loan through a relative under the strict condition that the entire balance be repaid within one year. His wife noted that the looming threat of land confiscation left them feeling they had no alternative. Careful budgeting and resource management significantly extended the timeline, pushing home construction out to six years while they temporarily lived with relatives.
Climate Migration and Relocation to Minnesota
Reflecting on broader environmental changes, the family later addressed shifting weather patterns and the practical limitations of relying on groundwater. According to the interview, worsening climate conditions prompted a subsequent move to Minnesota to secure more moderate temperatures, better school districts, and reliable healthcare infrastructure. These demographic shifts align with a growing trend of individuals relocating to favorable climates and regions, increasingly categorized by observers as climate migrants. Oliver Ssaem continues to manage his YouTube platform, producing content focused on Korean culture and English education.